Oseola McCarty inspired many of us with her generous
donation of $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi. While this
may not have been the largest single donation the school ever received,
what was unique was that she had saved the money over the course of her
lifetime from her modest earnings ironing other people's clothes.

Ms. McCarty retired and had no family to inherit her nest egg so she
debated how to put it to good use. Because she, herself, had dropped out of
high school to take care of her family, she decided to give children of
limited means the opportunity to go to college. Her donation will be used
for scholarships.

To those students fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, Oseola
McCarty is both a hero and an angel.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Oseola McCarty, the humble washerwoman
who became USM's most famous benefactor, was buried in
Hattiesburg Saturday, Oct. 2, 1999 following a celebration of her
life at the Hattiesburg campus.

Persons who would like to contribute to the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Fund may send checks to: